Florida International university School of accounting
2010-2011
The School of Accounting has been accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business— (AACSB) International—since 1983. The undergraduate accounting program is among the country’s top 25 for mid-sized accounting schools, based on the size of the faculty, according to more than 1,700 accounting professors surveyed in the Public Accounting Report in 2009 and 2010. A 2010 ranking by Brigham Young University placed the School of Accounting #1, leading the world in publishing archival audit research in premier journals—the top tier of academic publications—for the last 20 years. The college is listed among the country’s top research business schools in the prestigious “The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) Top 100 North American Rankings of Business Schools Based on Research Contribution 20062010.” Articles by six members of the School of Accounting were included on the list. In 2011, Accounting Horizons ranked the School of Accounting’s doctoral program #2 in auditing research, #26 in archival research and #30 overall based on research productivity of graduates in the three years immediately following graduation.
The School of Accounting Ledger is a publication of the College of Business Administration at Florida International University. Its purpose is to inform our accounting alumni, supporters and friends in the business and academic communities about our AACSB International-accredited School of Accounting, about our accomplishments and about people and organizations committed to our efforts.
From the chair of the School of Accounting Advisory Board
From the School of Accounting director
Although often cited as a Chinese proverb or curse, the phrase “May you live in interesting times” has no known origins in the Chinese language. However, it certainly applies to the current economic environment. Unemployment rates remain stubbornly high and many wonder whether government deficits, or attempts to reduce them, will stifle any economic recovery underway.
Academic year 2010-2011 was one of transition for the School of Accounting at Florida International University, and we anticipate 2011-2012 will be the same.
We look forward to welcoming five new faculty members from some of the highest-ranked universities in the world. We also are excited to greet our almost 1,600 returning students and to continue helping them prepare for the amazing challenges and opportunities awaiting them.
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Despite this, our recruiting data show that the demand for high-performing accounting graduates has never been stronger. Public accounting firms and the private sector are hiring at levels not seen since before the 2008 economic downturn. Both campus and experienced hires are on the rise.
We said goodbye to our former director, Lewis Davidson, who completed an incredible career as an academic and public servant. We will miss Ana Estevill, our administrative secretary, who retired in May.
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Throughout the coming months: students This summer marks the one-year will study, network and learn with a anniversary of the arrival of our school’s global perspective; faculty will discover director, Ruth Ann McEwen. Her steady new approaches for applying research to hand and reassuring demeanor have made practice; staff will focus on customer service, for a smooth transition. She assumed the reins M and ways to improve the FIU experience l cE of our program and has already accomplished for everyone who encounters us; and we we oo h c a great deal including excellent hires to expand na S l will redouble our efforts to reach out to all our t the a our faculty, the continued growth of course offerings Second Annu constituents, continuing to connect with long-time and support for academic research. friends and welcoming newer supporters who will help us The role of the school and advisory board is to prepare our graduates to enter the job market in South Florida, nationally or abroad. It appears opportunities for them have re-emerged in these interesting times.
succeed.
Mario de Armas (BACC ’85) Market Managing Partner, Florida PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Ruth Ann McEwen, Director School of Accounting Florida International University
I am pleased to present this year’s Ledger in which we highlight recent accomplishments, recognize successes and celebrate the diversity that sustains our vision.
Looking at even a portion of their titles, it’s obvious that Carlos Sabater (BACC ’81), national leader of the U.S. audit practice of Deloitte LLP and a member of the firm’s board of directors; John Zamora (MACC ’96, BACC ’94), partner and chief diversity officer; and Tony Giro (MACC ’95, BACC and MIS ’93), audit partner, have achieved it. And while their roles within the firm speak to their success, each of them points to FIU as a significant part of how they arrived at the enviable spot in which they find themselves. “My career is fabulous, and none of it would be possible without FIU,” Sabater said. “It’s as simple as that. It afforded me the opportunity to do what I do today and I have no reference point that is more relevant than my education at FIU.” The first member of his family to go to college, Zamora, described by Sabater as one of the top partners in the firm, appreciates FIU’s impact on shaping the lives of minority students. “As the chief diversity officer of Deloitte LLP, I’ve come to recognize the value and contribution FIU has on its students and the positive impact it has on its minority student population,” he said. “For me, the
intellectually challenging academic environment taught me great discipline and a work ethic that has strongly influenced my career.” In his role as Deloitte’s lead recruiter at FIU, Giro has found the chance to “expand the number of FIU students we hire. We know that the environment at FIU gives students, as it did me, the academic foundation on which to build a professional career.” Remembering the value of Beta Alpha Psi and ALPFA at FIU—“exposure to large accounting firms via weekly meetings, helping me frame where I wanted to focus and providing a venue to seek out opportunities”—Giro continues to be actively involved in Deloitte’s presentations at Beta and ALPFA meetings. Though Sabater, who recruited Zamora and Giro, has much to be proud of in his career, the success of his colleagues gratifies him the most.
John Zamora
Success.
Carlos Sabater
Armed with talent and FIU degrees, accountants reach the top at Deloitte LLP.
“My achievements are nothing compared to the satisfaction I have watching FIU graduates I have mentored, particularly minorities, take their game to a different level within the profession,” he said. “They have become leaders in a $26.6 billion organization with 170,000 employees worldwide.”
Tony Giro
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New name, new officers for the School of Accounting alumni group. The School of Accounting Alumni Affinity Council has changed its name to the Accounting Alumni Council (AAC). The officers for 2011-2012 are: President: Gary Opper Vice President: Diego Suarez
Director of Special Events: Angela Polania Treasurer: Eric Santa Maria Director of Subject Matter: Daniel Medina Secretary: Vivian Rodriguez Director of Membership: Desiree Elias
The new board of the newly renamed Accounting Alumni Council held its first meeting on May 3, 2011.
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Brett Friedman, director, McGladrey, received the 2011 “Honorary Alumnus” award.
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Argiz credits his education with giving him “the tools to analyze business situations and to develop the depth and breadth of expertise to service my clients,” and finds it “rejuvenating to know that one’s support has such far-reaching results . . . results that are multiplied by the number of students who graduate.”
Noting that the school has always been “a great place for my employer to recruit and hire highly talented and motivated students who have turned into very successful professionals,” he said he believes that “a professional can help to develop oo n the future leaders of lo lu m fA A “ c c o u n in g ’s this world by developing t students.”
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“To be recognized by one’s alma mater is particularly pleasing and strengthens the bonds with my fellow alumni in a special way,” he said.
“It was a surprise and a tremendous honor,” said Friedman, who has been a member of the school’s advisory board, the Career Management Services Advisory Board, has been closely involved with ALPFA at FIU and has helped with many ALPFA/KPMG case study competitions.
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At the Second Annual School of Accounting Awards Banquet, Tony Argiz (BBA ’74), chairman and CEO, Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLP, was honored as the 2011 “Alumnus of the Year.”
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Tony Argiz named School of Accounting’s “Alumnus of the Year.”
Student Achievements
Houseman began the Master of Accounting (MACC) program in the School of Accounting immediately after graduating, completed an internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and is working as a graduate advisor for the MACC and Executive Master of Science
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Winner focused on helping ALPFA at FIU members prepare for their careers.
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More than 40 students from ALPFA at FIU— the largest student chapter in the country— attended the ALPFA National Convention, held July 31-August 4, 2010 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
in Taxation programs while he completes his masters. he y rH He has nn ou a s e m an a n d M accepted a full-time job at PwC in their assurance practice. r is
For the fourth time, and for the second consecutive year, ALPFA named an FIU student “National Student of the Year.” Christopher Houseman (BACC ’10) joins Daniel Zamora (BACC ‘10), Krystel Ramos (MACC ’08, BACC ’07) and Zameer Upadhya (BACC ’02) as the winner of the highest student award given by the organization. In addition, a team of five students competed in the KPMG case competition, advancing to the final six from a field of 25.
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Accounting major wins “National Student of the Year” award from ALPFA.
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Among his many achievements as president of ALPFA at FIU, he organized programs to “show the members the range of opportunities in the field” and networking events with the Miami chapter of ALPFA. KPMG case competition tests students’ research and presentation skills. The five-member case competition team researched the case for four months. “Members of ALPFA at FIU once again made us very proud,” said Ruth Ann McEwen, the school’s director. “They continue to demonstrate their knowledge and initiative, both in their ongoing work for the organization on campus and at each year’s national convention.”
The ALPHA at FIU contingent at the national convention
ALPFA at FIU • Sponsored a Finance Summit, a QuickBooks workshop and a presentation by Dan Black, Ernst & Young America’s Director of Campus Recruiting • Participated in case competitions: comprising nine teams out of the 11 competing in PricewaterhouseCoopers xTax, Fall 2010; securing first place in the FIU stage of the Johnson & Johnson case competition and advancing to the national competition; and winning a first place in the KPMG regionals • Undertook an array of community service efforts from beautification projects to numerous walks including Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life; and obtained donations and organized collection drives to gather school supplies for high schools, medical supplies for Jamaica and food supplies for Haiti Beta Alpha Psi Eta Iota Chapter • Hosted an Excel workshop, a Becker workshop to help students prepare for the CPA Exam and mock interviews • Presented at the Beta Alpha Psi Regional Conference and the National Conference, where they were awarded Superior Chapter status
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Mentoring program marks second year.
The Ahead of the Game Accounting and Business Expo—hosted by ALPFA at FIU and Beta Alpha Psi brought together 275 students and representatives from 35 companies.
Learning how to interact with real professionals in the workplace is just one advantage that senior accounting major Rolando Chavez has discovered from having a mentor—in his case, Gary Opper (MST ’83), CPA, managing member of LevieOpper LLC and president of the Accounting Alumni Council, formerly known as the School of Accounting Alumni Affinity Council.
Introductions were made, résumés were distributed and conversations ensued as students learned more about the accounting firms and vice versa. Part way through the four-hour event, employers had the opportunity to request that selected students make a second visit to their company table.
Ahead of the Game Accounting and Business Expo Sponsors Gold Sponsor: Bank of America Silver Sponsors: Becker Professional Education, BDO, State Farm Sponsors: Alvarez & Marsal, Berkowitz Dick Pollack & Brant, CBIZ Goldstein Lewin, Cherry Bekaert & Holland, Crowe Horwath, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, From Wall St. to Main St., Georgia Pacific, Goldstein Schechter Koch, Grant Thornton, HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities), IRS, Johnson & Johnson, JP Morgan Chase, Kane & Co., KPMG, Mallah Furman, MarcumRachlin, MBAF, McGladrey & Pullen, Ocariz, Gitlin, & Zomerfeld, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Prudential, SEC, TD Bank, US Census Bureau, US Department of Agriculture, Walt Disney
“It was an excellent opportunity for accounting, finance and MIS students in the business school,” said Catherine M. Pena, president-elect of ALPFA at FIU at the time. “The feedback was very positive.” “This was a superbly run event, very well thought through,” said Dawn Lazar (MS ’06), assistant director of accounting services in Career Management Services. “The students benefited from learning to plan such a large-scale program and from the networking opportunities they had.”
“Courses teach the process of accounting and having a mentor helps you understand the work environment,” said Chavez, who hopes to pursue law school and then obtain a position with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. “It’s nice to have someone guide you on the right professional path. Also, we have developed a relationship that goes further than just accounting. He has mentored me on how to be a better person.”
Gabe Mendoza, then president-elect of Beta Alpha Psi, coined the name for the expo.
“As a mentor you can change a life for the better or have your life changed,” said Opper, who has written articles on mentoring. “We continue an ancient tradition of elders passing their knowledge on to a new generation.”
“Attending this event is a smart, proactive move, of course,” he said. “But the expo’s name also reflects that by being members of our organizations, students are ahead of the career game.”
Thirty mentor-mentee relationships were celebrated at a breakfast on April 20, 2011, kicking off the start of the School of Accounting Mentorship Program’s second year.
ALPFA at FIU and Beta Alpha Psi collaborated to put on “Ahead of the Game,” an expo for accounting, finance and MIS students in the business school.
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Expo puts students “Ahead of the Game.”
Accounting students help low-income earners with tax returns. This past tax season, accounting students, including those in the Executive Master of Science in Taxation program, once again helped low-income earners complete their tax forms as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a free service established by the Internal Revenue Service in 1980. Thirty-five FIU students completed a total of 231 returns at VITA locations in Sweetwater, Miami, West Miami and Corpus Christi. The students amassed over 700 volunteer hours. “Such work is beneficial on a résumé but what’s more important is helping members of the community who need it,”
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said volunteer Luis Meurice (BACC ’10). “The people were very grateful for the assistance and, of course, happy if they learned they were eligible for a tax refund.” Under the direction of Connie Ricardo (MS ’00, BBA ’83), program coordinator, and Tessie Brunken (EMST ’86, BBA ’81), administrative director, the volunteers completed basic and intermediate IRS online training, passed a qualifying exam certifying them to prepare free income taxes for the VITA program and then attended training programs on three Saturdays in January.
Members of the School of Accounting and the community thanked the students at a recognition ceremony in mid-May.
Luncheon recognizes case competitors. More than 60 students, professors and corporate sponsors were invited to the first-ever Case Competition Recognition Luncheon held on April 19, 2011. Among them were veterans of three accounting case competitions: Johnson & Johnson, KPMG and xTax. “It was gratifying to hear how these opportunities profoundly benefit our students,” said event organizer Ellie Browner, retired director of graduate admissions in the Chapman Graduate School, who now helps with case competitions. Individuals made five minute presentations, summarizing their event. “The students enthusiastically described how these experiences took them far beyond classroom learning,” Browner said. “When I heard all the information, I admit I regretted not getting involved with case competitions earlier in my academic life,” said Elsania Galeano, a graduating senior earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and one in business administration. “They are excellent avenues to increase your learning base.”
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A year ago, graduate students in the Master of Accounting (MACC) program debated the question “Should the United States adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) now being used by more than 100 countries?” This spring, the first IFRS event for accounting undergraduates took place. Ten students enrolled in Intermediate Accounting debated the same topic in front of an audience of about 150 and a five-judge panel: event organizers Abhijit Barua, Stephen Lin and John Wang—the faculty members who teach the course—as well as Eric Gillman and Patrick Gutierrez, both from PricewaterhouseCoopers. Whether or not the United States decides to adopt the standards, their implementation worldwide means that knowledge about them will be critical for future accountants. In addition, since 2010, the CPA Exam has included questions about IFRS. “I want to do accounting in Brazil, so the research I did to prepare for the debate will be very helpful,” said junior accounting major Jason Karukin, who gave the closing argument for the winning pro-adoption team, and who received the award as the best speaker. “It was also helpful because
I had never participated in a debate before. Plus it was lots of fun.” The team arguing for adoption also included Matthew Fong Choi, Helen Feliz, Elizabeth Figueroa and Barbara Sanchez. Carlos Andres, Stephanie Hocke, Kevin Pang, Vanessa Penaloza and Maryia Shkaredzenok argued against the adoption. The event was part of a prestigious curriculum grant from PricewaterhouseCoopers Charitable Foundation awarded to Barua, Lin and Wang for their proposal “Integrating IFRS in both accounting-major undergraduate and MACC programs at FIU.” Second event challenges students on IFRS. Approximately 130 students took part in the school’s first-ever IFRS quiz competition. During a 40-minute session, they answered 35 questions about the standard. “The debate and quiz were two ways to help our students perceive the importance of IFRS and to understand ways it is already affecting Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP),” Lin said. “And it is an effort we will continue for our undergraduates and graduates.”
[TOP]: Elizabeth Figueroa was on the team that argued that the United States should adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards. [BOTTOM]: Vanessa Penaloz, a member of the team arguing against the adoption of the standards, was voted the third-best speaker.
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Accounting students debate the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards.
Lewis Davidson honored at retirement party.
Kannan Raghunandan logs impressive publication record.
After a career long enough to have taught approximately 15,000 students, Lewis Davidson retired from the School of Accounting.
Research by Kannan Raghunandan, professor and Ryder Eminent Scholar Chair in Business Leadership, has appeared in premier accounting journals including The Accounting Review, The Journal of Accounting Research, Contemporary Accounting Research, and Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory.
Forty-four friends, colleagues, former students and family honored him on April 27, 2011. “Lew Davidson is a true visionary,” said Ruth Ann McEwen, director of the school. “He became director when the School of Accounting was still a small, regional program. Under his guidance, it has become a deeply w respected source of is , Da fe accounting staff with i w v id s o n a n d h is one of the largest programs in the United States. We are grateful for his tenacity and proud to be part of his achievements.”
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“The students at FIU were as good and as bright as any I have taught,” said Davidson, who taught at FIU from 1984 on after stints at Penn State, University of TexasAustin, New York University and University of North Carolina.
A recent study conducted by professors at Brigham Young University (BYU) ranked him as the top auditing researcher in the world over the past six years, based on publications in the most important accounting journals. His output also helped the school earn the top spot in the area of archival audit research during the past six years in another BYU study. He frequently collaborates with his wife, Dasaratha Rama, professor and Knight Ridder Center Research Fellow in the college. Their work is extensively cited in an April 2011 study related to internal control reporting, conducted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act. Raghunandan was recently appointed to a team that is helping the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board set standards related to the preparation and issuing of audit reports by registered public accounting firms.
Kenneth Henry captures prestigious office. Kenneth Henry (PhD ’08), clinical associate professor, was elected as the first and only U.S.based member to serve on the Association of en ne Chartered Certified th H Accountants (ACCA) e n ry Board of Directors. As one of 36 worldwide members of the ACCA’s governing body, he represents all ACCA members in 170 countries as well as the interests and issues of the United States. K
Davidson’s colleagues Manny Dieguez, who retired in 2008 after 32 years of service, and John Wrieden, distinguished senior lecturer, also spoke about him at the reception.
“I work with PhD students and colleagues worldwide to study corporate governance and auditing,” Raghunandan said.
Kannan Raghunandan
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9 Faculty publications
Abhijit Barua, PhD, Louisiana State University
Selected articles in leading journals
24(4), 671-688.
Yunhao Chen, PhD, University of Minnesota
Abhijit Barua, Dasaratha V. Rama, and Sharma, V. (2010). “Audit committee characteristics and investment in internal auditing.” Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, 29(5), 503-513.
Blaise M. Sonnier (2010). “An analysis of Colorado’s notice and reporting requirements for Internet and remote sales.” Journal of State Taxation, 28(6), 23-28, 58-59.
Abhijit Barua and Stephen W. Lin (2010). “Earnings management using discontinued operations.” The Accounting Review, 85(5), 1485-1509.
Blaise M. Sonnier (2011). “Colorado’s notice and reporting regime faces constitutional challenge: implementation put on hold by federal court.” Journal of State Taxation, 29(3), 31-32, 72-73.
Renu Desai, PhD, University of Central Florida Wendy Gelman, JD, University of Miami C. Delano Gray, MS, New York University Kenneth Henry, PhD, Florida International University Stephen W. Lin, PhD, University of Manchester Adam Maiga, PhD, University of Memphis Ruth Ann McEwen, PhD, Georgia Institute of Technology Robert McGee, PhD, University of Bradford Kannan Raghunandan, PhD, University of Iowa Andrew M. Sbaraglia, PhD, Pennsylvania State University Antoinette Smith, PhD, University of South Florida Blaise M. Sonnier, DBA, Grenoble Ecole de Management Krishnamurthy Surysekar, PhD, University of Maryland Thomas Tarangelo, JD, University of Florida Changjiang Wang, PhD, University of Missouri Clark Wheatley, PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Institute John Wrieden, JD, George Mason University
The School of Accounting welcomes the following faculty for the 2011-2012 year. Jung Hoon Kim, PhD (Dec 2011), University of California-Berkeley Jonathan Milian, PhD, University of Chicago Frederick V. Perry, PhD, University of Miami Maria Vulcheva, PhD, Emory University Kim Westermann, PhD, Bentley University
Renu Desai and Robert W. McGee (2010). “The Sarbanes-Oxley Act: deterrent or aid to finance and accounting outsourcing?” Currents: International Trade Law Journal, 18(2), 22-29. Stephen W. Lin and Khurshed, A. (2011). “Institutional investment in UK firms: do corporate internal control mechanisms matter?” European Journal of Finance, 10(2), 133-152. Stephen W. Lin, and Chan, A. (Forthcoming). “Which earnings components drive earnings conservatism?” Accounting and Business Research. Antoinette L. Lynch (2011). “Electronic conferencing: understanding computer-mediated systems.” Journal of Computational Intelligence in Finance, 22(4), 77-81. Adam S. Maiga and Jacobs, F. A. (2011). “Selection bias and endogeneity issues on the relationship between information technology and firm performance.” Advances in Management Accounting, 19(5) 109-131. C. Mazza, Hunton, J., and Ruth Ann McEwen (2011). “Fair value (U.S. GAAP) and entity-specific (IFRS) measurements for asset retirement obligations: effects of incentives and benchmarks on earnings management potential.” Journal of Behavioral Finance, 12(2), 68-77. Robert W. McGee (2011). “Economic protectionism and the philosophy of Frédéric Bastiat.” Brooklyn Journal of Corporate, Financial and Commercial Law, 5(2), 427-446. V. Munsif, Kannan Raghunandan, Dasaratha V. Rama, and Singhvi, M. (2011). “Audit fees after remediation of internal control weaknesses.” Accounting Horizons, 25(1), 87-106. P. Tanyi, Kannan Raghunandan, and Abhijit Barua (2010). “Audit report lags after voluntary and involuntary auditor changes.” Accounting Horizons,
Blaise M. Sonnier (2010). “IRS victory jeopardizes workpaper confidentiality.” Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, 21(4), 43-51. Blaise M. Sonnier (2010). “States continue push to tax internet sales.” Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, 22(1), 49-54. Blaise M. Sonnier (2010). “Utopia Home Health, Inc.: a case study on C corporation taxation.” Issues in Accounting Education, 25(4), 755-774. Blaise M. Sonnier and Walfried M. Lassar (Forthcoming). “The influence of audit firm size and industry specialization on juror evaluation of liability.” Journal of Forensic & Investigative Accounting. Blaise M. Sonnier, Hennig, C. J., and Lassar, S. S. (2010). “Protecting work product in IRS disclosures and during the audit after Deloitte.” Taxes–The Tax Magazine, 88(12), 23-32. C.J. Hennig and Blaise M. Sonnier (2011). “Schedule UTP: IRS mandates disclosure of uncertain tax positions.” Tax Advisor, 42(5), 334-343. Clark M. Wheatley (Forthcoming). “Lucent Technologies.” Journal of Finance Case Research. Clark M. Wheatley and Yan, Y. (Forthcoming). “New executives and audit fees.” Journal of Forensic & Investigative Accounting. Books Robert W. McGee and Preobragenskaya, G. G. (2010). Accounting and Financial System Reform in a Transition Economy: A Case Study of Russia. Dongbei, China: Dongbei University of Finance & Economics Press.
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School of Accounting faculty 2010-2011
KPMG LLP makes multi-year gift to the college. Contributions from four partners at KPMG LLP—Jose Aldrich, Jose Rodriguez, William Schinas (BA ’91) and Rebecca Priegues Sproul (MACC ’94, BACC ’91), matched by the KPMG Foundation, have resulted in a generous donation to the School of Accounting General Endowment and the Global Entrepreneurship Center Endowment. Funds in the five-year gift will support activities such as faculty development, student enhancement and outreach initiatives. “It gives me a great sense of pride to know that this endowment will give FIU students another opportunity to become what they dream and to make a difference in the
world outside the university’s walls,” said Aldrich, a member of the FIU Foundation Board; a member of the Dean’s Council and the University President’s Council; and the university’s relationship partner for KPMG LLP, who spearheaded the effort. He found it gratifyingly easy to enlist the financial commitment from his colleagues. “I hoped that I would find co-workers who shared my views on education, our community and what FIU represents,” he said. “I was not disappointed. I’m very proud to be part of a firm that is committed to diversity and the power of education to open doors for all.”
Endowment honors Albert Morrison Jr. Albert Morrison Jr., founder of Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra LLP (MBAF) and its chairman beginning in 1971, was always a good friend to FIU, the business school and particularly the School of Accounting.
he requested be used to honor Morrison. His donations, combined with those from nearly 50 others, including one from Tony Argiz (BBA ’74), chairman and CEO, MBAF, resulted in the new endowment.
After he passed away on December 31, 2009, some of those whose lives he had touched began what would become the Albert Morrison Jr. Scholarship Endowment. The fund will support students in the School of Accounting through the Albert Morrison Jr. Memorial Scholarship.
“He would have been thrilled by this gesture, and proud,” said Joan Morrison, his widow.
It started with a gift from Theodore Spak, emeritus director, FIU Foundation, that
Patrick Noel, a senior accounting major, was the scholarship’s first recipient. “It was a huge honor for me, because it was only awarded to one undergraduate, so I was deeply humbled,” he said.
Joyce J. Elam, executive dean; Krishnamurthy Surysekar, the first Morrison, Brown, Argiz, & Farra, LLP Professor in the School of Accounting; Patrick Noel, the first recipient of the Albert Morrison Jr. Memorial Scholarship; and Joan Morrison
Jose Aldrich
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Six partners and directors of Deloitte LLP— Javier Bacerio (BACC ’88), Antonio M. Giro (MACC ’95, BACC and MIS ’93), Lisa Napier (BACC ’87), Carlos Sabater (BACC ’81), Jorge Salgueiro (BACC ’88) and John Zamora (MACC ’96, BACC ’94)—made a generous donation to support the School of Accounting General Endowment. In recognition of their gift, the Deloitte LLP Classroom, which will be used for as many accounting classes as possible, was named in the College of Business Complex.
“This contribution is very meaningful for us because it allows us to memorialize our commitment to FIU and to inspire the students in the School of Accounting to dream and to dream big because the foundation that FIU provides will give them the platform to succeed,” Zamora said. “We have all gotten so much from FIU that the university deserves everything we can do in return,” Sabater said. “Thanks really shouldn’t come to us but should go to the university for what it does.”
Students outside the Deloitte LLP Classroom
School of Accounting Advisory Board
Carlos F. Garcia, Partner, Goldstein Schechter Koch Company, P.A.
Robert R. Feldmann, Managing Partner, McGladrey & Pullen LLP
Mitchell Less, Audit Partner, Grant Thornton LLP
Frank Gonzalez (BBA ’90), Partner, Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLP
Gerry Pombo, Partner, Grant Thornton LLP Stewart L. Appelrouth (MBA ’80), Co-Founder, Appelrouth, Farah & Co., P.A.
Jose (Joe) Sirven (BBA ’78), Partner, Holland & Knight
Hiram Ocariz (BACC ’84), Founding Partner, Ocariz, Gitlin & Zomerfeld, LLP
Alfredo Cepero (MACC ’90, BACC ’88), Audit Partner, BDO USA, LLP
Jorge N. De La Torre (BACC ’96), Partner, Kabat Schertzer De La Torre Taraboulos & Co.
Michael Torres (MACC ’98, BACC ’96), Partner, Perez-Abreu, Aguerrebere Sueiro & Torres P.L.
Albert D. Lopez (BACC ’78), Managing Partner, BDO USA, LLP
Steven M. Berwick (BACC ’74), Partner, Kaufman, Rossin & Co.
Manny Matalon (MACC ’03, BACC ’01) Head of Internal Audit, Bupa Latin America
Edward V. Gannon (BBA ’88), Principal & Director, Litigation Consulting , Kaufman, Rossin & Co.
Mario de Armas (MACC ’91, BACC ’85), Market Managing Partner, Florida, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Antonio “Tony” Giro (MACC ’95, BACC and MIS ’93), Audit Partner, Deloitte LLP Steven Davis (MBA ’93), Partner, Ernst & Young LLP Alvaro Florez (BBA ’88), Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
Rebecca Sproul (MACC ’94, BACC ’91), Partner, KPMG Donald Butler (BACC ’79), Partner, Marcum LLP
Rafael Garcia (MST ’97, BACC ’94), Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Thomas A. Burke (MACC ’93), Vice President, Audit & Advisory Services, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Morris Hollander, Partner, Marcum LLP
Cliff Zoller, Senior Vice President, Audit Services, Ryder System, Inc.
Sergio de la Fe (BBA ’90), Partner, McGladrey & Pullen LLP
Maria M. Yip (BACC ’91), Founder, Yip Associates
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Deloitte LLP Classroom named.
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Ana Estevill retires. After 21 years of service to the School of Accounting, Ana Estevill has retired. She began as senior secretary in 1990 and in 1999, was promoted to office manager. She was the assistant to Mort Dittenhofer, then the school’s director, and worked closely with him on the International Consortium Ana Estevi ll on Governmental Financial Management, serving as conference secretary for approximately 12 years.
School of Accounting Scholarships School of Accounting students benefit from the generosity of professional organizations and companies that support accounting education through scholarship programs. We thank our generous donors and are pleased to present the recipients of scholarship awards for the 2010-2011 academic year. Albert Morrison Jr. Memorial Scholarship Patrick Noel
Kaufman Rossin & Co. Scholarship Kyle Weisenberg
Deloitte Scholarship Porchia Lazier Sybil Pierre Paul
Ocariz, Gitlin & Zomerfeld Scholarship Alfredo Ramos Laura Sotomayor
Goldstein Schechter & Koch Scholarship Liang Shanshan
Rachlin LLP Scholarship Aylin Sempe
We want to know about you! In Memoriam: Marguarette Johnson Longtime and valued staff member Marguarette Johnson passed away on April 5, 2011. She began at FIU as a college work study student in 1979, was hired in the school as a secretary, was promoted to senior secretary in 1985 and became the school’s coordinator. In 2009, she was nominated for four Employee Service and Recognition Awards at FIU.
The School of Accounting and FIU alumni are eager to hear about your recent professional accomplishments. Send us your news by completing and mailing this form or submit items electronically by visiting us at http://business.fiu.edu/ alumninews. We’ll share your updates with your friends and colleagues through our next School of Accounting Ledger. Name________________________________________ Email_________________________________________ Home Address________________________________ Employer _____________________________________ Position/Title __________________________________ Employer address_____________________________
Business email_________________________________ Degree and year of graduation ________________ YOUR news: ___________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Send to: School of Accounting Florida International University 11200 S.W. 8th Street – RB 210 Miami, FL 33199
HONOR ROLL We are pleased to recognize and thank the following donors for their contributions to the School of Accounting during the period January 1, 2010-June 30, 2011. With their commitment and generosity, we continue to build our future. Champions $50,000+ • KPMG Foundation • Theodore Spak and Rosalind W. Spak Partners $10,000-$49,999 • Antonio L. Argiz and Conchy P. Argiz • Deloitte LLP • Benjamin Diaz III and Wendy A. Diaz • Grant Thornton LLP • Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLP • Ocariz, Gitlin & Zomerfeld, LLP • Carmen Sabater and Carlos A. Sabater • Jorge I. Salgueiro and Maybel Salgueiro • The Samuel A. & Louise K. Tucker Family Foundation • Mary L. Zamora and John Zamora Benefactors $5,000-$9,999 • Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting • Javier Bacerio • Antonio M. Giro and Maria Elena Giro • Lisa D. Napier • Regions Bank • Sara P. and Douglas H. Thompson Jr. Patrons $2,000-$4,999 • Cuban American CPA Association • Rachlin Foundation • RSM McGladrey, Inc.
Investors $500-$1,999 • BDO Seidman, LLP • Edward Blum • Irma and Norman Braman • Deborah and Rick Covert • Crowe Horwath LLP • Manuel A. Dieguez • Gisela and Emilio T. Escandon • Miguel G. Farra • Seymour Feldstein • Ronda C. and Ronald D. Finkelstein • Kenneth R. Henry and Marcella Y. Henry • Deborah E. Hoffman and Lawrence J. Hoffman • Raul Incera and Cristina Incera • Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. • Morris D. Levitt and Rhoda Levitt • Theodore Morrison and Patricia M. Morrison • Manuel Rodriguez • Jeanne Rosen and Boris Rosen • Roberta and Stuart C. Rosenberg • Ira Silver • South Florida Chapter of Construction Financial Management Association • Irene and Mark R. Thaw • Robert H. Traurig and Jackie Traurig • Weil, Gotshal & Manges Foundation, Inc. Supporters <$500 • Beatriz C. Anazco and Zach Anazco • Mayra Arevalo
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Myrline Aristil Richard J. Arthur Bank of America Berle Properties LLC Allen S. Blaustein Eugene C. Bloom Lisa A. Boas W. M. Bond Nancy M. Borkowski and Michael A. Borkowski Robert G. Breier and Eileen Breier Deanne Butchey and Royston S. Butchey Lourdes Caballero Fred A. Campos and Lina B. Acuna Henry L. Castelo Castillo & Company Pauline C. Chavez Wen-Hsiu Chou Lynn E. Culbreath Lisa R. Dasher and James Dasher Renu Desai Michael Desiato Theresa Diaz Javier E. Duenas Ernst & Young, LLP Elvis O. Escarpio Linesttee J. Feinberg Robert A. Feldman and Luz E. Feldman Robert F. Feltman and Sylvia Feltman Juan R. Figuereo and Lourdes M. Figuereo Isaac K. Fisher Daniel J. Flugrath and Ivette C. Navarro GKH Consulting LLC Robert J. Gonzalez and
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Carmen M. Gonzalez Richard A. Gotterer Martin E. Grey and Amy S. Grey Dolores A. Harris and Ernest E. Harris Pamela B. Hathaway and Randy Hathaway Christopher M. Hutchins and Mariacristina Hutchins Kenneth M. Jaffie and Victoria N. Jaffie Nattacha Jocelyn Clotilde C. Keller and Edward Keller Stanley J. Krieger and Linda Brickman Laurans A. & Arlene H. Mendelson Charitable Foundation, Inc. Scott D. Lehman and Pamela S. Lehman Jeffrey E. Levey Patricia Lieberman and Warren J. Lieberman Stewart G. Liebling and Abbe O. Liebling Ing Huey Liu Javier R. Lizarazu and Benay H. Lizarazu Jose M. Llanes Tania S. Lupera-Jaramillo Modesto A. Maidique and Nancy E. Maidique Adam S. Maiga Roberto R. Mancebo and Lillian Vina Jacquellyn B. Martin Maria D. C. Martinez and Francisco E. Garnica Richard S. Masington and Carole Masington
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Sylvia Mayer Eliam Medina Emilio E. Mendoza Ra Miller John C. Miller and Karen K. Miller Hilda C. Morgade Malcolm H. Neuwahl Josephine F. Ochoa Patrick J. O’Neill Packman, Neuwalh & Rosenberg Eduardo Padron Sr. and Blanca R. Padron Joseph W. Pallot and Linda Pallot Leonard F. Parker and Barbara Parker Luis A. Perez and Maria C. Perez Shirley M. Quintana Gladys Rodriguez and Pablo R. Rodriguez Richard B. Salzman Phyllis Salzman Judith B. Schild and Frederick Schild Alan Schriesheim Sirgany Foundation Barbara F. Sirkin and Edward A. Sirkin David A. Sommer and Erica M. Sommer Brian M. Sturgeon and Lynn A. Sturgeon Charles Tishgart and Esta Tishgart Oscar M. Villaverde Mary Ann Von Glinow Changjiang Wang Hung K. Wong Zhonghua Wu
Although we have made every attempt to ensure that all donors are noted, errors are always possible. We apologize for any omissions or inaccuracies.
To make a gift to the School of Accounting, please visit supportsoa.fiu.edu.
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